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What to see in Salta, Argentina | Must-see places
Salta is one of the best cities in northern ArgentinaOn your trip you will find a place rich in history, well-preserved colonial architecture, a still very much alive local folklore, and of course, good food. lots to see and do in Salta.
It is the perfect city to make base and explore the region's most impressive landscapes, such as the Quebrada de las Conchas. In this article, we'll tell you how to get there, what to see in Salta, where to stay, and other tips that will be useful for your trip.
How to get to to Salta
Salta is the most important city in Northwest ArgentinaA region that's gaining a lot of popularity as a tourist destination, which doesn't surprise us because it truly is beautiful. Being the best-connected city in the area, it's often the first stop on tours. itineraries for visiting Salta and Jujuy.
How to get to Salta from abroad
Salta Airport has several international connections with neighboring countries, although the best way to reach Salta from abroad is by plane with a stopover in Buenos Aires.
How to get to Salta from Buenos Aires
To get to Salta from Buenos Aires it is best to fly with one of the airlines low-cost airline that cover the route, such as Aerolíneas Argentinas, JetSmart, or Flybondi. You could also arrive by bus, but the route is very long and the price is usually higher than flying.
How to get to Salta from San Salvador de Jujuy
San Salvador de Jujuy is the capital of the neighboring province, and the best way to get to Salta from there is by bus. The trip costs just under €10, and some of the companies that operate between the two cities include Flechabus, Andesmar, 20 de Junio, and Balut.
Getting to Salta from Cafayate
Cafayate is a town near Salta that we recommend visiting if you haven't already planned to. Flecha Bus operates several daily buses between Cafayate and Salta for around €15-20.
Where to stay in Salta
La The best area to stay in Salta is the historic center. where the tourist attractions are located and where you can get around on foot. In the following table, I've listed some of the best accommodations for your budget.
Are you reading us on your mobile? 📲 You can swipe the table to the right to see all the information.
| Hotel | Description | Price | Nota | Photos |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hostel Ferienhaus | Very central, economical and comfortable | 21-23 € | 8.5/10 | See hotel |
| La Casona Inn | Classic, central and with breakfast | 27-42 € | 9.2/10 | See hotel |
| Apart Hotel Marilian | Complete apartment well equipped | 26-32 € | 8.5/10 | See hotel |
| Hotel Almería | Elegant hotel, comfortable rooms, breakfast included and indoor pool | 55-70 € | 8.9/10 | See hotel |
What to see in Salta city
Salta is a city that apart from being located in a strategic location to visit the must-sees in the area such as the Quebrada de las Conchas or the colorful Hornocal, it also has its own charm so let's see what to see in SaltaWe've also included a map so you can locate us.carthe best.
Map with the best places to see in Salta
9 de Julio Square | The heart of Salta
The Plaza 9 de Julio is the nerve center and tourist center of Salta cityEverything revolves around this place, and you're sure to pass by it many times in a single day. Most of Salta's main monuments are concentrated here, and there's plenty of local life, with people strolling, street performers, and terraces always packed.
Around the square are the Cathedral Basilica, the Cabildo, the High Mountain Archaeology Museum, and several historic cafes where you can sit down with a drink and enjoy the atmosphere.
From the Plaza too the main commercial axes leave such as Alberdi or Caseros, pedestrian streets full of shops and restaurants where you can try the popular Don Panchos.
Iglesia de San Francisco
The Church of San Francisco is the most photogenic building to see in Salta. With its facade in pastel tones The decorative columns make it stand out dramatically among the low-rise buildings with white facades that surround it. It's well worth a visit.carsIt is visible both during the day and at night, when it is illuminated.
The interior can be visited from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 16:00 p.m. to 21:00 p.m. Just before the church entrance, there is a large antique bell, which you can also see when the church is closed.
Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña
El Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña, known as MAAM, is the most curious museum to see in Salta. It is located in the Plaza 9 de Julio and is popular for hosting the Mummies of LlullaillacoThese are three Inca children who were sacrificed at the top of the Llullaillaco volcano, at 6.739 meters above sea level, and were buried in snow until a mountaineer discovered them in 1999.
The museum isn't very big, but it has unique pieces with detailed explanations. For conservation reasons, they only have one of the mummies on display. The visit usually lasts less than an hour, and the entrance fee changes frequently due to currency devaluation, but we found the price for tourists to be reasonable.go caro.
Cathedral Basilica of Salta
Another of the emblematic buildings that you can visit in Plaza 9 de Julio is the Cathedral Basilica of Salta, was built in the 19th century and is neo-Baroque in style. It is the most important religious building in the city and one of the most beautiful in Argentina.
Admission is free and it houses large frescoes, religious images, and an imposing altar.
Cabildo
Built in the 18th century It stands out for its colonial architecture White tones with two levels of shutters and balconies. In front of the Cabildo, it is common to see street artists and folk dancers showing traditional dances such as bunnyhopperWe went on a weekday and there was a lot of atmosphere.
The interior has been slightly renovated to accommodate the Historical Museum of the North, which houses objects from the colonial era, indigenous pieces, and documents related to the wars of independence. The visit is quite short and allows you access to the balconies to have views of the entire square.
San Miguel Municipal Market | The best market to see in Salta
If you want to know a little more about the daily life of a city, the best thing is to visit its markets, and in Salta we recommend going to the San Miguel Municipal MarketThe aisles are filled with regional products such as vegetables, fruits, mates, clothing, and spices. There are also several areas where restaurants are concentrated, offering homemade food at a good price.
Here we tried for the first time the famous Neapolitan Milanese, a classic that combines Argentine Milanese with tomato sauce, ham, and melted cheese on top. Of course, you can find many other traditional dishes.
Beyond the fresh food and produce, this market is also a great place to buy souvenirs like handicrafts, mates, and ponchos. The markets, for us They are always a must, so they can't be missing from this article about what to see in Salta.
San Bernardo Hill Lookout
San Bernardo Hill is the most famous viewpoint in Salta city. From the top you will have panoramic views of the entire city and the surrounding mountains. You can go up in several ways, on foot by a staircase of more than 1.000 steps, by car/taxi or with a cable car which leaves from San Martín Park, the green lung of Salta.
Once at the viewpoint, you'll find trails, green areas, and stalls where you can buy something to drink or eat. It's a great plan, especially at sunset.
Folklore Clubs of Salta
Folklore clubs are one of the most important cultural elements from northern Argentina. These are traditional venues that combine live music, dancing, cuisine, and a festive atmosphere.
In a peña it is usual to dine on typical dishes while musicians and dancers perform traditional dances such as zambas, chacareras and carnavalitosIt's not just a restaurant for tourists; it's also very popular with locals. I have to say, we liked it much more than we expected!
Among the most recommended are:
- Balderrama Bowling Club: a classic of the city and very traditional, it is mentioned in some songs.
- The Mill House: Famous for its good atmosphere, musicians playing around the tables and homemade food. Somewhat isolated, you will need to go by car or taxi.
- The Old Station RockIdeal if you want a well-organized show with dancers and musicians on stage. It's within walking distance.
Food & drink in Salta
La gastronomy of northern Argentina It is very popular, has many links to the Andean roots of this region, and the food is wonderful!
In Salta you can't miss it Salta empanadasBeing such a popular food you can find them in almost any restaurant, but one of the most famous is The Salteñería.
Other very common dishes are locro, tamales and Milanese Neapolitan, which you can accompany with Torrontés wine produced in the region, normally in Cafayate. For traditional dishes We recommend very famous classic restaurants such as Mrs. Salta, The New Criollita or any of the Folklore Clubs.
Best excursions from Salta
There are places what to see in SaltaBut if it stands out for anything, it's for all the excursions you can take to see its surroundings. These are the ones you can't miss, whether you're based in Salta or exploring the region by rental car:
- Humahuaca and Hornocal Ravine (Jujuy)This area is a World Heritage Site, full of charming towns like Purmamarca, Tilcarto Humahuaca. The most impressive thing is the Hornocal with one of the most iconic landscapes in the region. We have a guide that explains in detail how to visit the Hornocal on your own.
- Salinas Grandes: a white salt desert at more than 3.000 meters above sea level that you can visit on your own or in guided tour.
- Cafayate: A wine-making town packed with beautiful wineries where you can taste local varieties like Torrontés.
- Quebrada de las ConchasPanoramic route through carThe trail features spectacular rock formations throughout. The route ends in Cafayate, so you should combine the visit with a tour. You can go independently or as part of a guided tour. guided tour.
- Cachi and Los Cardones National ParkAnother classic route that crosses the Cuesta del Obispo and offers incredible mountain scenery and carGiant gifts (cacti). You can also do it independently or with a group. a lap.
Thank you for reading, we hope this guide on what to see in Salta that helps you plancar your trip. We have more articles with Practical information about northwest Argentina, so feel free to continue exploring the guides of ArgentinaWe also encourage you to follow us on Instagram to gossip about our routes. Have a good trip and enjoy this unique region!
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